Microsoft Teams now lets presenters access meeting chat while sharing their screen on Windows and Mac. This seamless feature keeps chats private to presenters, enabling real-time interaction without disrupting the presentation. Available through Public Preview and Targeted Release channels. Unique :
Access Chats While Sharing Your Screen in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams just got a major usability boost for presenters on Windows and Mac. Now, you can access meeting chats without leaving your shared screen. This update is a game-changer for anyone who runs meetings and wants to stay connected with participants in real-time.
What’s New?
Previously, presenters had to toggle between the shared screen and the meeting window to see chat messages. That’s no longer necessary. Microsoft Teams now allows you to open the chat privately while sharing your screen or window. The chat panel is visible only to you, so your presentation stays clean and uninterrupted.
“Many of you told us how important it was to be able to see and respond to chats while presenting in a Teams meeting – and now this is possible!” – Elisa Meazza, Senior Product Manager, Teams
Major Updates and Features
- The new chat panel can be dragged and minimized anywhere on your screen, giving you flexibility.
- You can both view messages and actively participate in the chat without disrupting your presentation flow.
- Notifications alert you that the chat opens privately, ensuring no accidental sharing of chat content.
How to Use It
Simply start your Teams meeting on Windows or Mac and share your screen. Click the chat button to open the private chat panel. You’ll see all messages and can respond instantly without switching windows.
Who Can Use This Feature?
This handy update is available to presenters in the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted Release programs. You’ll need the new Teams client on Windows or Mac. IT admins must enable preview features or targeted release access through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Why This Matters
Managing chats while presenting used to be clunky and distracting. Now, you stay engaged with your audience and keep your presentation seamless. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in meeting productivity.
“This enables you to stay on top of participant input and looped into crucial conversations.” – Elisa Meazza, Senior Product Manager, Teams
Feedback and Next Steps
Microsoft encourages users to share feedback directly through Teams via the Settings > Feedback option. This helps improve the feature further. Also, consider joining the Microsoft 365 Insider program to get early access to new tools and updates.
In summary, this update enhances your Teams meetings by making chat access easier and less intrusive. If you’re a presenter, it’s worth trying out right now to elevate your virtual meetings.
From the New blog articles in Microsoft Community Hub
Windows Server Devices Now Recognized as a New OS in Intune Microsoft has announced that Windows Server devices are Read more
Microsoft Power Platform is leading the way in AI-generated low-code app development. With the help of AI, users can quickly Read more
Microsoft Intune is an enterprise mobility management platform that helps organizations manage mobile devices, applications, and data. The October edition Read more
Microsoft Intune has released its November edition, featuring new updates to help IT admins better manage their organization’s mobile devices. Read more
